SALINA, KS — March 2026 — The Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers on Crawford Street has officially closed, ending a short-lived experiment in drive-thru-only dining. Built in May 2021, the location was Freddy’s first walk-up and drive-thru prototype, designed to meet the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, drive-thru sales were booming, and JRI Hospitality — Freddy’s largest franchisee — saw the format as a promising innovation.
Pandemic-Era Experiment
The Crawford prototype was conceived as a streamlined model: no dine-in seating, just walk-up service and drive-thru lanes. This approach reflected consumer behavior during the pandemic, when contactless and quick-service options dominated the fast food industry. JRI Hospitality reported that drive-thru revenue surged during 2020 and 2021, making the Crawford site a logical test case for future expansion.
However, as dining habits normalized, the model struggled to maintain profitability. JRI confirmed that the location was ultimately “not sustainable” in terms of sales, leading to the decision to close.
Employee Transition
Employees at the Crawford Freddy’s were notified two weeks in advance of the closure. JRI emphasized that each team member was offered the chance to apply at other Freddy’s locations in Salina, ensuring continuity of employment opportunities. The company expressed appreciation for the staff’s dedication and for the community’s support during the prototype’s run.
What Comes Next for the Site?
While the Freddy’s signage has come down, JRI hinted at possible new tenants for the Crawford property. Among the ideas being discussed are a Boba Tea shop or a dirty soda concept, both of which reflect current beverage trends and could appeal to younger demographics. No official replacement has been announced, but the site is expected to remain active in the local food and beverage scene.
Freddy’s Presence in Salina
Despite the closure, Freddy’s continues to operate successfully in Salina. The 9th Street location remains open and unaffected, serving as a reminder of the brand’s strong roots in Kansas. Freddy’s, founded in Wichita in 2002 by brothers Bill and Randy Simon and partner Scott Redler, has grown into a national chain with more than 500 locations.
JRI Hospitality’s Broader Expansion
The closure comes at a time when JRI Hospitality is expanding aggressively elsewhere. In a recent acquisition, JRI took over the restaurant operations of HCI Hospitality, a Manhattan, KS-based multi-brand company. The deal added 43 Freddy’s units to JRI’s portfolio, increasing its holdings from 88+ units across 15 states to 130+ operations across 18 states.
This expansion cements JRI’s position as Freddy’s largest franchisee and underscores its strategy of balancing experimentation with consolidation. While the Crawford prototype did not succeed, JRI’s broader footprint demonstrates resilience and adaptability in a competitive fast-casual market.
Conclusion:
The closure of the Crawford Street prototype highlights the challenges of sustaining pandemic-era innovations in a post-COVID market. While the drive-thru-only model initially thrived, shifting consumer habits made the location “not sustainable.” Still, JRI Hospitality continues to strengthen Freddy’s national presence, expanding to more than 130 units across 18 states. This balance of experimentation and consolidation underscores JRI Hospitality’s role as the driving force behind Freddy’s growth and adaptability in the fast-casual industry.
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